Aug 10, 2026, 10:30:43 AM
If you’re looking to add new landscaping, you probably want to think strategically about what it will look like and how it can be used all year long. Our winters are chilly, but not like other parts of the country, and you might still want to spend time outside.
Of course, you also want to pay attention to how it looks throughout the various seasons. Year round curb appeal landscaping comes down to more than flower color. Most homeowners unintentionally create a landscape that only looks its best during one season of the year (spring).
In this article, we’ll dive into how to create a four season landscape. We’ll talk about how to make decisions that will contribute to year-round appeal. And we’ll discuss additions that can help you spend more time outdoors throughout the various seasons. At the end of the day, we want you to have a landscape that you’ll love no matter what the season.
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When homeowners think about incorporating new landscape plants, they almost always jump right to flowers. And there’s no question that a pop of color gives your landscape that wow factor that you want. But you cannot overlook foundational plantings, particularly the evergreen ones, that are going to give you year-round appeal.
You might think of seasonal color as more of the icing on the cake but the foundational plantings (like evergreen trees and shrubs) as the cake itself. They are a truly vital piece of the puzzle.
Strategic planning will be key. You’ll want different plants in bloom at different times. And they need to be strategically placed throughout the landscape so it’s not like one half of your yard is blooming one season and another half is blooming a different season.
You’ll also want to think about plants that look good even when nothing is blooming. Certain evergreen selections are going to give you steady appeal throughout the year. These foundational plantings will be some of your most important additions.
This can all get a little bit more complicated than homeowners initially imagine. That’s why choosing landscaping services in Memphis that have horticultural experience will be critical. You’ll want an expert who can guide you toward the best choices for your property that will look great well-beyond a single season.
If you’re planning to add a lot of landscape plants to your Memphis property, you’ll want to be sure that you’re taking the steps to protect that investment. Incorporating a lot of plants can be costly and you certainly want to do what you can to maintain them.
This starts with plant selection. The Memphis climate warrants smart choices when it comes to choosing plants that are well-adapted to our region. Working with an experienced landscaper with horticultural expertise can help ensure the best plants are chosen for your landscape.
We also recommend investing in an irrigation system, as this removes the guesswork of keeping everything looking its best.
The latest smart irrigation technology also ensures that you’re watering as wisely as possible.
With a smart irrigation controller, adjustments can be made that will enhance water efficiency and reduce costly water waste.
Nothing is more frustrating than sending hard-earned dollars down the drain with wasted water. With our hot summers here in Memphis, properties can use a lot of water. But you want to make sure that none of it is wasted.
While the plants create the backdrop to your outdoor living space, it’s also going to be the features that you choose to add which will create a true year-round space for you to enjoy.
All great outdoor living spaces start with a patio. But it’s also the enhancements that you add to that patio which support you spending more time outside. Let’s look at some of the patio features that we’d recommend for your four season landscape in Memphis.
One of the best year-round additions that you can make is a fire feature. The incorporation of a fire feature is going to enhance the ambiance of your space while also adding light and heat.
Whether you add a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, these features can make a huge difference in the amount of time that you spend outside.
Fire features can extend your time outdoors both into the evening hours and into the chillier seasons. Homeowners love using their fire features in the fall and winter, when they otherwise might not have spent as much time outdoors.
Another great consideration is an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens also extend your time outside.
Although they don’t throw off heat, they give you a purpose to be outdoors, even in the chillier months. You can extend your grilling season with a comfortable space where you like spending time cooking.
Adding a structure like a pergola or a pavilion can give you the opportunity to enjoy your outdoor living space no matter what the weather. A rainy day won’t mean that you can’t be outdoors. When homeowners add a partially enclosed space, particularly one with a fire feature, they find themselves gravitating outside all year long.
Outdoor heat lamps could also be incorporated to warm up the space even more, making it truly feel like an outdoor room.
Finally, you certainly can’t overlook outdoor lighting. The right lighting is going to greatly enhance your space.
If you’re going to be spending more time outside, you’ll want your space to be usable day or night. Professional outdoor lighting offers functional benefits, but it boosts aesthetics as well.
Lighting technology has advanced tremendously. You can take your outdoor party to a whole new level with fully automated lighting that can be controlled through an app on your smartphone.
What is a year round landscape?
A year round landscape is one that is designed to look attractive and remain usable throughout all four seasons of the year.
Is a four season landscape possible in Memphis?
Yes, a four season landscape is definitely possible in Memphis, TN. Even though we do have chilly winters, it’s more mild than many other parts of the country. And with the right outdoor living features, you’ll still be able to enjoy a comfortable time outside.
How can I make my yard look good every season?
A mixture of the right plants and also outdoor living features can make your yard look great no matter what the time of year. Winter can be the most challenging for landscaping but there are many evergreen options that are going to still look great during the colder months.
What features should I consider to extend my time outside?
Adding a fire feature and a covered structure can help you spend even more time in your outdoor living room. These types of features can make your patio a true extension of your home.
Hopefully these Memphis landscape design ideas have given you a good starting point for creating a four season space that you can enjoy throughout the year. There are a lot of decisions involved and it can be complicated, so it will be important to make a wise choice amongst landscape services.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, the process begins with a high-quality and detailed landscape design that incorporates your wants, needs, and ideas.
Then, we move on to expert installation, including both hardscaping and plantscaping. By ensuring these items are installed properly, you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy the final results.
There are plenty of companies in Memphis offering landscaping services, but you want to make sure that you choose wisely. When you make a good choice in landscape design/build firms, you gain valuable peace of mind that your investment in your property is going to get long-term enjoyment and value.
Give us a call today! Soon, you’ll be enjoying more time outside than ever.
Ready to talk about ideas and have your new landscape designed and built? Request a consultation today.
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